The Top Postcodes in England and Wales?

Tuesday, 4^th November 2014 by Jessica B.

St Bees in Cumbria is the best place to live in England and Wales, according to the latest Family Hotspots Report from Family Investments. The fourth edition of the annual report analyses all postcodes looking at 71 factors including education, safety, affordability and green spaces. Due to the way some data such as crime and education is reported, a detailed analysis is not available for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

#1: St Bees, Cumbria CA27

The top spot went to St Bees, a coastal village 50 miles south of the Scottish border with a population of 1,800. The area boasts a large sandy beach and the only major sea cliff between Scotland and Wales.The average price for a two bed property in the area is £138,930 with the median annual salary being £27,243 making it one of the most affordable areas in the top 10.

#2: Wokingham, Buckinghamshire RG41

Wokingham is a market town 33 miles west of Central London with a population of around 31,000. The area boasts excellent transport links and numerous public parks. The average price for a two bed property in the area is £254,375 with the median annual salary being £28,647, this lack of affordability keeping the area off the top spot.

#3: Faringdon, Oxfordshire SN7

Faringdon, meaning fern covered hill, is a market town approximately 18 miles south-west of Oxford with a population of around 6,000. In 2004 it became the first town in the South East to be granted Fairtrade status. Just a short stroll from central Faringdon are open fields and a network of footpaths including eight themed walks to nearby villages. The average price for a two bed property in the area is £188,309 with the median annual salary being £24,794.

#4: Lower Earley, Berkshire RG6

Lower Earley is a large residential area popular with families and commuters, with a population of around 30,000, two miles east of Reading. The average price for a two bedroom property in the area is £225,825 with the median annual salary being £28,647.

#5: Swanland, East Yorkshire HU14

Swanland is an old hill village with a population of around 4,000 lying seven miles to the west of Kingston upon Hull. The village boasts its own primary school, public house, two churches, library and even a pond. The average price for a two bed property in the area is £167,413 with the median annual salary being £20,727.

#6: Moor Row, Cumbria CA24

Moor Row is a village in North West England with a population of around 800. The area has around 400 houses and has its own bakery and primary school, and is a few miles from Sellafield power plant. The average price for a two bed property in the area is £79,014 with the median annual salary being £27,243, making it by far the most affordable area in the top ten.

The best overall city to raise a family was reported as Plymouth, with the best area in Greater London being Bexley (DA5).

Whether you are considering moving to a new area to raise a family or simply interested in how your area compares have a look at the Family Hotspots online tool